All Entries Tagged With: "Darius Ashley"
Happy Thanksgiving U of L Fans
by Sonja Sykes
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this time of year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many things for which University of Louisville fans can be thankful. Here is a brief list of the things that give us reason:
- Jeff Walz and the Lady Cards. A trip to the final four, the excellent play of Angel McCoughtry and the encouraging start to the 2009-10 season. The electric atmosphere in Freedom Hall for games is something you need to experience.
- Rick Pitino and the men’s team. A trip to the regional finals and good times in Indy. A new team that has 10 guys that may not have the NBA draft status of T-Will and Earl, will give Cardinal fans plenty to get excited about in the upcoming season. An exciting mix of the new and old, and a coach that can get it done.
- Dan McDonnell and the baseball team. The fun involved with watching Chris Dominguez, the tight pitching staff and another run at Omaha is a blessing and another dynasty in Cardinal athletics is evident.
- Tom Jurich for the coaches he has hired, the wise decision making he has displayed and the patience to make a studied and informed decision on the future of a particular program that needs some changes.
- A football team that produced and developed some exciting playmakers. Trent Guy, Scott Long, Vic Anderson, Darius Ashley and my defensive heroes gave me a reason to go and cheer, despite the dismal season results.
- Leonard Yelin and the overachieving volleyball team. Learning and growing as the season progressed, they were the best in the Big East tournament and will play in the NCAA Championships.
- Ken Lolla and the men’s soccer team. Another Big East trophy to put in the showcase and the promise of more things to be grateful about next year.
- Pam Bustin and the field hockey team. Perennial top 10 rankings and a stellar performance from a young and rebuilding squad. Another sport you need to go out and watch life. You’ll be thankful that you did.
- Sandy Pearsall and women’s softball. The Lady Bat Cards are building a roster that is second to none in the Big East and play in the best facilities in the Big East, if not the nation.
- Track and field, women’s soccer, swimming, golf, all nationally competitive, too. Lacrosse coming on. That’s what happens when you start a list, wow.
Finally, a thank you to all those involved with this site. Whether a contributor, observer or occasional guest, you make the show here and we thank you for your wise council, excellent columns and comments and discussion that far outshine any other Cardinal sports site on the Internet.
May the joy of the Thanksgiving season, time with friends and family and reflection on all the things we can truly give thanks for fill your heart with happiness and cheer your hours during this holiday season.
Victor Anderson’s Season Over
There will officially be one less weapon for Steve Kragthorpe’s offense in the season finale: Victor Anderson will undergo surgery Tuesday and miss Friday’s game.
Anderson did not see action against South Florida and has been used sparingly since injuring his clavicle, participating only in eight games. He is the leading rusher with 473 yards and five touchdowns.
Darius Ashley and Bilal Powell will carry the load against a Rutgers defense that gave up 213 yards rushing and 211 passing in a shocking 31-13 loss to Syracuse.
Why Go To Louisville-Syracuse Game
Reasons for University of Louisville fans to attend the U of L-Syracuse football game:
- No bandwagon jumpers or fair weathers will be there.
- A chance to beat Syracuse, a school with more than its share of haughty fans who held their collective nose when Louisville entered the Big East.
- Tom Jurich got the message and sent one of his own several football games ago.
- Nostalgia. Remember what it was like before Howard Schnellenberger came to Louisville.
- Times like these make a fan appreciate the good times. Also, it makes future success that much better.
- Food always tastes better during tailgating, especially fried chicken.
- Sun rising on the Darius Ashley era.
- Sun setting on the Steve Kragthorpe era.
- The observer would like some company.
West Virginia Fans Never Felt Threatened
By Paul Sykes
The day at Mountaineer Field started out pretty chilly, with 40-degree temperatures greeting us when we arrived to tailgate. Although it turned out to be an excellent day for football, the Louisville offense remained sluggish, with drive after drive halted by penalties and no passing continuity. Steve Kragthorpe’s ultra conservative play calling never really gave Louisville a chance.
The West Virginia fans sat on their hands most of the game, as if they knew they couldn’t lose and were content to wait. But give it up for the UofL defense, holding WVU to less offensive yards than U of L. The injury to Noel Devine probably helped, but guys were flying around out there.
- Tailgate festivities were low key as well, although we were not near where the students congregate. I will give the Eers fan base credit for putting out some of the most delicious tailgate spread I’ve seen recently, and they’re not shy about inviting you over to sample.
- The discussions I had with Mountaineer fans centered mostly around the disappointing loss to South Florida last week, the tough task ahead of going to Cincinnati next week and hosting Pitt the week after that. It was almost an afterthought that they did have to face the Cards today…a test run before taking on the tougher Big East foes.
- They also realize they’re not the football beast of the Big East anymore. The days of Pat White, Steve Slayton and Rich Rod have ended.
- On a day where Darius Ashley finally demonstrated what all his high school hype was about and we actually didn’t miss a field goal, it was the inability to throw the ball into the end zone from a team that used to pride itself on top-notch quarterbacking that ultimately was the deciding factor.
Kragthorpe finds a way to lose another one. Louisville remains a cellar dweller in the Big East. Morgantown fans yawn and eat their way through a win against a lesser rival. No moral victory for the Cards. Just another loss in a season filled with them.
Don’t Let Your Eyes Deceive You
By Tom Stosberg
Despite what the won-lost record says, the Louisville football team is loaded.
Think about it. U of L has three, maybe even four excellent quarterbacks. Guys who not only can throw but aren’t afraid to run…with pretty good moves to boot.
And speed in the backfield. Victor Anderson and Darius Ashley could start anywhere in the country. They are both “feature” backs who have the speed to play on Sundays.
We are also flush with outstanding receivers. Our special teams are loaded. The defense has some emerging superstars.
Why is our Cardinal football team so loaded with talent?
Because Coach Greg Nord continues to do what he has been doing for the past 15 years…finding great talent and convincing them to come to U of L. It’s as simple as that. Through all types of coaches, with all sorts of offensive and defensive schemes, against all kinds of competition, Coach Nord has kept the pipeline full by working his magic. Makes one wonder if Card fans know how valuable he is.
This is a man who understands relationships, has a remarkable eye for great talent, maintains an unbelievable contact network and is relentless in his pursuit of excellence.
One of the secrets to Coach Nord’s success …people like him…high school and junior college coaches, parents, boosters. And there is no doubt that Greg Nord is one of the best kept secrets in U of L’s football program.
But he can only do so much.
